TSA officers prevented a man from bringing his handgun onto an airplane on Friday, May 5, at BWI Airport.

A man flying to Cancun was stopped at BWI Airport on Friday May 5, after Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials reported finding a handgun in his belongings at a security checkpoint.

According to the TSA, the man said he forgot that the 9 mm semi-automatic handgun was in his bag.

The gun was detected as the man’s carry-on items were screened on the x-ray conveyor belt, officials said.

Maryland Transportation Authority Police responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the firearm and arrested the man on weapons charges.

Those who bring firearms to the checkpoint may face criminal charges from law enforcement and civil penalties from TSA of up to $12,000.

TSA officers prevented a man from bringing this handgun onto an airplane on Friday, May 5, at BWI Airport. Photo courtesy of TSA.

What is the TSA?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Chiefly concerned with air travel, the TSA employs screening officers in airports, armed Federal Air Marshals on planes, and mobile teams of dog handlers. The use of enhanced screening procedures has caused controversy.